Name: Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon yellow curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 12 count package Hawaiian rolls; 1 pound deli sliced turkey; 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese; 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles, drained; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 11 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, flavorful twist on classic sliders, you’re going to love this Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe. It’s got all the right elements: melty pepper jack cheese, zesty green chiles, a spicy mayo that sneaks in some warmth, and a poppy seed butter sauce that ties everything together perfectly. I’ve made these for game days, family get-togethers, and casual dinners, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Stick around, I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it every time!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Bold Flavors Balanced with Softness: The spicy mayo and green chiles add kick, while the sweet Hawaiian rolls and melted pepper jack cheese mellow everything out beautifully.
Simple yet Impressive Assembly: You layer everything in a baking pan, no fuss, no individually frying patties, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying.
The Poppy Seed Butter Sauce: This glaze adds a subtle tang and glossy finish that keeps the sliders moist and irresistible.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual party or a quick weeknight meal, these sliders fit right in.

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, turkey sliders with green chiles, spicy turkey sliders, flavorful slider recipes, easy turkey slider ideas - The image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with twelve golden brown sandwich rolls arranged in three rows of four. Each roll has a slightly crispy top with visible poppy seeds sprinkled over them, giving a textured look. The edges of the rolls touch each other, and a melted, creamy layer is seen bubbling around the sides beneath the rolls. In the background, there are some green fresh peppers resting on a white marbled surface. A black spatula is placed beside the dish. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here was picked to bring out a harmony of spicy, savory, and sweet notes. When shopping, grabbing good-quality deli turkey and fresh shredded pepper jack cheese really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Santa Fe Turkey Sliders, turkey sliders with green chiles, spicy turkey sliders, flavorful slider recipes, easy turkey slider ideas - Flat lay of sliced Hawaiian rolls, deli sliced turkey, shredded pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, mayonnaise mixed with paprika and curry powder, melted butter with poppy seeds, dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the spicy mayo—look for full-fat for richness.
Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and mild warmth without overpowering the dish.
Yellow Curry Powder: A surprisingly bright and complex spice that elevates the mayo’s flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: The perfect touch of heat to keep things lively.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Hawaiian Rolls: Soft and slightly sweet – the ideal slider bun that holds all the fillings.
Deli Sliced Turkey: Keeps these sliders light but protein-packed.
Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds just the right spicy kick.
Diced Green Chiles: For that authentic Santa Fe flavor and a bit of smoky heat.
Melted Butter: Combines with spices for the buttery topping that keeps rolls moist and yummy.
Poppy Seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor in the butter glaze.
Dijon Mustard: Cuts through the richness with sharpness and zest.
Onion Powder: Brings umami and warmth without the texture of fresh onion.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of tang to the butter sauce.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about the Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to play around with the flavors. I often adjust the spice levels depending on who’s eating, and swapping some ingredients can take these sliders from simple to gourmet in seconds.

Variation: I’ve swapped turkey for ham when I wanted a smokier bite, and it worked beautifully—plus kids loved it!
Heat Level: If you’re not big on spice, cut back on the cayenne or leave it out altogether; conversely, add some chopped jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar are great alternatives if pepper jack’s too spicy for your crowd.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the turkey and load these sliders up with grilled veggies and avocado slices for a fresh twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. I usually give my baking pan a quick spray or a light butter rub so the sliders don’t stick and cleanup is easier later. This simple step makes a big difference in serving clean parts.

Step 2: Whip Up That Spicy Mayo

Mix together the mayonnaise, paprika, yellow curry powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. I like to taste a tiny dab on a spoon before adding the cayenne so I can control the heat. This mayo is your flavor base, so get it right — smooth, spicy but balanced.

Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls

Pull the Hawaiian rolls out of the package, leaving them together like a big rectangle. Carefully slice them in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in your greased pan. Pro tip: Use a serrated knife to get a clean cut without squishing the rolls!

Step 4: Layer the Good Stuff

Spread your spicy mayo evenly over the bottom slab — don’t be shy here, it’s where the flavor starts. Then sprinkle half the shredded pepper jack cheese. Layer on all the turkey, then spread the diced green chiles over the turkey, followed by the remaining shredded cheese. Finally, place the top slab of rolls over everything.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with poppy seeds, dijon mustard, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This sauce seals in moisture and adds that irresistible shine. Brush it generously over the top of your sandwich slab. It’s the finishing touch that seals the deal.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. When you pull them out, you’ll be greeted with bubbling cheese and toasty tops — slice into 12 sliders and get ready for happy faces.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Don’t Overload on Sauces: Too much mayo or butter sauce can make the rolls soggy, so balance is key.
Use Fresh Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality.
Gentle Slicing: A serrated knife and a steady hand keep your sliders looking neat and intact.
Keep It Covered While Baking: Foil traps moisture so the sliders stay tender and the cheese melts evenly without burning.

How to Serve Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these sliders with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado to add freshness and creaminess that balances the spice. A little squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a bright pop, too. If you want extra crunch, some pickled red onions or jalapeños on the side never hurt.

Side Dishes

When I serve these sliders, I usually pair them with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh corn salad. A simple black bean and corn salsa on the side also complements the Santa Fe flavors beautifully. For parties, classic coleslaw or tortilla chips with guacamole work wonders!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made these sliders for a backyard BBQ and arranged them on a festive platter lined with colorful lettuce leaves and mini flags. It instantly made the dish look festive and inviting. You can also serve sliders with toothpicks topped with cherry tomatoes or olives to keep them together and add a fun touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I wrap leftover sliders tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped well helps the flavors meld a bit and keeps the bread soft but not soggy.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen these sliders before baking. I assemble them completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze. When I’m ready to eat, I bake them covered in foil straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time — it works like a charm!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, usually covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. This keeps the cheese melty, the bread soft, and everything tasting fresh, just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of deli turkey for this Santa Fe Turkey Sliders Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked turkey works great; just chop it into smaller pieces or shred it so it layers nicely inside the sliders. This is a great way to reduce waste and add your own homemade touch.
Is there a way to make these sliders less spicy?

Yes! You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and diced green chiles for a milder version. Also, swapping the pepper jack cheese for a milder cheese like mozzarella or Swiss will tone down the heat without sacrificing meltiness.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and melting.
What’s the best way to prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Make sure you spread the mayo mixture evenly but not too thickly, and don’t over-soak the green chiles. Also, baking with the foil cover helps retain moisture without drying the rolls or making them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making these Santa Fe Turkey Sliders has become one of my go-to easy crowd-pleasers. They bring together comfort and just the right amount of spice, so whether it’s a family dinner or a game day, they never disappoint. I’m excited for you to try this recipe—you’ll find it’s straightforward, fun to assemble, and totally delicious. I’m betting it will quickly become a favorite in your own kitchen, just like it is in mine!